Air Security:
Shorter Waits
For More Fliers?

By

Laura Meckler Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Updated Sept. 28, 2005 12:01 a.m. ET

The federal government is poised to launch a major expansion of the Registered Traveler program, in which fliers who submit to iris scans, fingerprints and background checks -- and pay an annual fee -- can speed through airport security.

The expanded program, based on a test project in Orlando, Fla., is expected to set off a scramble among private companies interested in running the new checkpoints and signing up frequent travelers. Several private companies, including one run by entrepreneur Steven Brill, are expected to...